Tray table tuning mechanism for passenger seat

ABSTRACT

Described are tray table tuning mechanisms for a passenger seat. The tray table tuning mechanisms can include a pivot limiting member, a paddle arm deployment member, an adjustment plate, and a paddle arm. The paddle arm deployment member and the adjustment plate may be pivoted relative to the pivot limiting member. The paddle arm can include at least one stop member and may be pivotably coupled to the paddle arm deployment member. Additionally, the paddle arm may be pivoted between a stowed state and a deployed state. In the deployed state, the stop member can abut a portion of the adjustment plate to limit rotation of the paddle arm deployment member in a first direction.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates to passenger seats, and, moreparticularly, to tray table assemblies for passenger seats.

BACKGROUND

Passenger vehicles, such as aircraft, buses, trains, ships, andautomobiles, often include at least one passenger seats in whichpassengers may be seated or otherwise use during travel. A passengerseat may include a tray table assembly that may be used for variouspurposes including deploying for holding food, stowing for allowingpassengers or other suitable individuals to move with respect to thepassenger seat, and the like. Contemporary mechanisms for deploying orstabilizing tray tables may include springs or other mechanisms thatlimit the tray table. The springs may wear quickly, which can lead tothe tray table rotating beyond an acceptable rotational limit. And, theother mechanisms may limit or otherwise prevent the table from sittingat a desirable height or angle with respect to the passenger seat, thepassenger, or any other suitable individual using the passenger seat.

SUMMARY

The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “thepresent invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly toall of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below.Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit thesubject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of thepatent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patentare defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is ahigh-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introducessome of the concepts that are further described in the DetailedDescription section below. This summary is not intended to identify keyor essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intendedto be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. The subject matter should be understood by reference toappropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any orall drawings and each claim.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a tray tabletuning mechanism can include a pivot limiting member, a paddle armdeployment member, an adjustment plate, and a paddle arm. The paddle armdeployment member and the adjustment plate may be pivoted relative tothe pivot limiting member. The paddle arm can include at least one stopmember and may be pivotably coupled to the paddle arm deployment member.Additionally, the paddle arm may be pivoted between a stowed state and adeployed state. In the deployed state, the stop member can abut aportion of the adjustment plate to limit rotation of the paddle armdeployment member in a first direction.

In some embodiments, at least one of the paddle arm deployment member orthe adjustment plate may be pivoted about a first axis. In certainembodiments, the paddle arm may be pivoted about a second axis that maybe substantially perpendicular to the first axis. In variousembodiments, the adjustment plate can include at least one slot and thepaddle arm deployment member can include at least one slot memberextending from the paddle arm deployment member and at least partiallythrough the at least one slot. In some embodiments, the at least oneslot member may be moved along the at least one slot as the paddle armdeployment member pivots.

In certain embodiments, the pivot limiting member may include a firstscrew that can limit a maximum rotation of the paddle arm deploymentmember, a second screw that can limit a maximum rotation of theadjustment plate, and a third screw that can limit a maximum rotation ofthe paddle arm. In various embodiments, the third screw can determine anangle of deployment of the paddle arm. In some embodiments, in thedeployed state, the stop member can also abut a portion of the pivotlimiting member to limit rotation of the paddle arm in a seconddirection.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a method forusing a tray table tuning mechanism that can include a pivot limitingmember, a paddle arm deployment member, an adjustment plate, and apaddle arm, can include various operations. The method can includerotating the paddle arm deployment member relative to the adjustmentplate. The method can include rotating the paddle arm relative to thepaddle arm deployment member to a deployed state. In the deployed state,at least one stop member extending from the paddle arm can abut aportion of the adjustment plate to limit rotation of the paddle armdeployment member in a first direction.

In some embodiments, in the deployed state, the stop member extendingfrom the paddle arm may also abut a portion of the pivot limiting memberto limit rotation of the paddle arm in a second direction. In certainembodiments, rotating the paddle arm deployment member can includerotating the paddle arm deployment member about a first axis, androtating the paddle arm can include rotating the paddle arm about asecond axis that may be substantially perpendicular to the first axis.In various embodiments, rotating the paddle arm deployment member caninclude moving at least one slot member extending from the paddle armdeployment member and at least partially through at least one slot thatmay be defined by the adjustment plate.

In some embodiments, a maximum rotation of the paddle arm deploymentmember may be determined by a first screw extending from the pivotlimiting member. In certain embodiments, the method can additionallyinclude rotating the adjustment plate such that a maximum rotation ofthe adjustment plate may be determined by a second screw extending fromthe pivot limiting member. In various embodiments, a maximum rotation ofthe paddle arm may be determined by a third screw extending from thepivot limiting member.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a passengerseat can include an arm rest; and a tray table tuning mechanism that maybe coupled to the arm rest. The tray table tuning mechanism can includea pivot limiting member, a paddle arm deployment member, an adjustmentplate, and a paddle arm. The paddle arm deployment member and theadjustment plate may be pivoted relative to the pivot limiting member.The paddle arm may be pivotably coupled to the paddle arm deploymentmember and may be pivoted between a stowed state and a deployed state.The paddle arm can include at least one stop member. In the deployedstate, the stop member can abut a portion of the adjustment plate tolimit rotation of the paddle arm deployment member in a first direction.

In some embodiments, the pivot limiting member may be fixed relative tothe arm rest. In certain embodiments, at least one of the paddle armdeployment member or the adjustment plate may be pivoted about a firstaxis, and the paddle arm may be pivoted about a second axis that may besubstantially perpendicular to the first axis. In various embodiments,the adjustment plate can include at least one slot, and the paddle armdeployment member can include at least one slot member extending fromthe paddle arm deployment member and at least partially through the atleast one slot. The at least one slot member may be moved along the atleast one slot as the paddle arm deployment member pivots. In someembodiments, the pivot limiting member can include a first screw thatlimits a maximum rotation of the paddle arm deployment member, caninclude a second screw that limits a maximum rotation of the adjustmentplate, and can include a third screw that limits a maximum rotation ofthe paddle arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table assembly of a passenger seataccording to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tray table tuning mechanism accordingto certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a paddle arm deployment member of thetray table tuning mechanism of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an adjustment plate of the tray tabletuning mechanism of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the tray table tuning mechanism ofFIG. 2 .

FIG. 6 is a side view of the tray table tuning mechanism of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the tray table tuning mechanism ofFIG. 2 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is describedhere with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but thisdescription is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of theclaims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, mayinclude different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction withother existing or future technologies. This description should not beinterpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among orbetween various steps or elements except when the order of individualsteps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

The described embodiments of the invention provide tray table assemblieshaving tray table tuning mechanisms for passenger seats. While the traytable assemblies and the tray table tuning mechanisms are discussed foruse with aircraft seats, they are by no means so limited. Rather,embodiments of the tray table assemblies and the tray table tuningmechanisms described herein may be used in passenger seats or otherseats of any type or otherwise as desired.

FIG. 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of a passenger seat 101according to certain embodiments of the present invention. The passengerseat 101 may include a subset of parts or components of a passenger seatthat may be positioned in a passenger vehicle, such as an aircraft,train, and the like, and that may be used by a passenger or otherindividual associated with the passenger vehicle. The passenger seat 101may include a passenger seat arm 103 and a table assembly 100 that maybe supported by and/or relative to the passenger seat arm 103.

The table assembly 100 may include a tray table 102, a paddle arm 104,and a tray table tuning mechanism 106. The paddle arm 104 may bemechanically or otherwise suitably coupled to the tray table 102 and tothe tray table tuning mechanism 106. In some embodiments, screws, bolts,rivets, or other mechanical or chemical fasteners may couple the paddlearm 104 to the tray table 102, to the tray table tuning mechanism 106,to other suitable components, or to a combination thereof. In otherembodiments, the paddle arm 104 may be coupled to the tray table 102 viaat least one additional component of the table assembly 100.Additionally, the tray table tuning mechanism 106 may be mechanically orotherwise suitably coupled to the passenger seat arm 103, an armrest, orother suitable type of passenger seat arm of the passenger seat 101. Insome embodiments, when stowed, the tray table 102, the paddle arm 104,and the tray table tuning mechanism 106 may be at least partiallycontained within the passenger seat arm 103.

In some embodiments, the tray table tuning mechanism 106 enables thetray table 102 to be deployed for use such as for holding food or othersuitable items associated with the passenger or other individual usingthe passenger seat. While the tray table 102 is deployed, the tray tabletuning mechanism 106 may also enable the tray table 102 to be positionedat a set and/or adjustable height and angle with respect to thepassenger seat 101, the passenger, or any other suitable individualusing the tray table 102. For example, the tray table tuning mechanism106 may enable at least one angle with respect to the tray table 102, tothe paddle arm 104, or a combination thereof, to be adjusted.Additionally, a usable lifetime of the tray table tuning mechanism 106may be longer than that of one formed of existing components (e.g.,springs, etc.), which may allow the tray table 102 to maintain stabilityfor an increased amount of time and/or usage as compared to othermechanisms.

FIGS. 2 and 6-7 illustrate a tray table tuning mechanism 106 accordingto various embodiments. FIGS. 3-5 illustrate partial and/or explodedviews of elements of the tray table tuning mechanism according tovarious embodiments. In some embodiments, the tray table tuningmechanism 106 includes at least four components: the paddle arm 104, apaddle arm deployment member 202, an adjustment plate 204, and a pivotlimiting member 208. In further embodiments, the tray table tuningmechanism 106 may include additional or fewer elements or components asdesired.

The elements or components of the tray table tuning mechanism 106 may beconstructed from various suitable materials as desired, including butnot limited to, stainless steel, aramid fibers, polycarbonate,polypropylene, aluminum, aluminum alloys, magnesium, magnesium alloys,other metallic materials or non-metallic materials, composite materials,combinations thereof, or other suitable materials. In certainembodiments, at least one element or component of the tray table tuningmechanism 106 may optionally be constructed from a material that isdifferent from the material used for another element or component of thetray table tuning mechanism 106. For example, the paddle arm 104 may beconstructed from a first material, and the pivot limiting member 208 maybe constructed from a second material that may be different from thefirst material. In further embodiments, at least two of the elements orcomponents of the tray table tuning mechanism 106 may be constructedfrom the same material.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tray table tuning mechanism 106according to certain embodiments of the present invention. The traytable tuning mechanism 106 may include the paddle arm 104, the paddlearm deployment member 202, the adjustment plate 204, at least one mountmember 206, and the pivot limiting member 208. In some embodiments, thepivot limiting member 208 may be coupled to or integrally formed withthe at least one mount member 206. The tray table tuning mechanism 106may also include three screws 200 a-c that may control, limit, orotherwise adjust deployment parameters associated with the tray table102, the paddle arm 104, the paddle arm deployment member 202, theadjustment plate 204, other suitable components of the tray table tuningmechanism 106, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the paddle arm deployment member 202 is pivotablycoupled to at least one of the at least one mount member 206 or thepivot limiting member 208 so that the paddle arm deployment member 202is pivotable relative to the at least one mount member 206 and/or thepivot limiting member 208. For example, the paddle arm deployment member202 may be pivotably coupled to the at least one mount member 206 usinga hinge extending at least partially through the at least one mountmember 206 and the paddle arm deployment member 202, as described inmore detail below in reference to FIG. 3 . At least one of the at leastone mount member 206 or the pivot limiting member 208 may be stationaryor fixed relative to a passenger seat arm or other portion of apassenger seat.

In some embodiments, the adjustment plate 204 is pivotably coupled tothe at least one mount member 206, the paddle arm deployment member 202,the pivot limiting member 208, other suitable components of the traytable tuning mechanism 106, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, the adjustment plate 204 is pivotable relative to at leastone of the at least one mount member 206 or the pivot limiting member208.

The paddle arm 104 may be pivotably coupled to the paddle arm deploymentmember 202. In some embodiments, the paddle arm 104 may be pivotedbetween at least a stowed state and a deployed state. In the stowedstate of the paddle arm 104, as best illustrated in FIG. 7 , at least aportion of the paddle arm 104 is substantially parallel to the paddlearm deployment member 202 so that the paddle arm deployment member 202,and thus the paddle arm 104 and the tray table 102, may be rotated to bepositioned at least partially within a passenger seat arm or othersuitable component of a passenger seat. In the deployed state, the traytable 102 may deployed and available for use, e.g., holding food.Additionally, the paddle arm 104 may include at least one stop member210 that may be positioned such that when the paddle arm 104 is in thedeployed state, the stop member 210 may abut a portion of the adjustmentplate 204 for limiting a rotation of the paddle arm deployment member202 in a first direction. In the stowed state, the stop member 210 maybe substantially parallel to the paddle arm deployment member 202.

In some embodiments, the screws 200 a-c may be included in, or canextend from, the pivot limiting member 208. The first screw 200 a may bea first screw and may limit or otherwise adjust a maximum rotation ofthe paddle arm deployment member 202. The screw 200 b may be a secondscrew that may limit or otherwise adjust a maximum rotation of theadjustment plate 204. The third screw 200 c may be a third screw thatmay limit or otherwise adjust a maximum rotation of the paddle arm 104.Additionally, the third screw 200 c may determine an angle of deploymentof the paddle arm 104.

As best illustrated in FIG. 3 , the paddle arm deployment member 202 mayinclude a first hinge 302 that may be positioned at least partially inthe paddle arm deployment member 202 within a first opening 304 of thepaddle arm deployment member 202. A first axis 306 of the tray tabletuning mechanism 106 may extend through a center of the first opening304 and the first hinge 302 when the first hinge 302 is positioned inthe first opening 304. For example, the first hinge 302 may bepositioned in the first opening 304 along, or substantially parallel to,the first axis 306 of the tray table tuning mechanism 106. The paddlearm deployment member 202 may additionally include a second opening 308.A second axis 310 of the tray table tuning mechanism 106 may extendthrough a center of the second opening 308 and may be substantiallyperpendicular, or in some embodiments not parallel, to the first axis306. Additionally, the paddle arm deployment member 202 may includeholes 312 a-b, which may be threaded to receive mechanical couplingdevices such as screws, bolts, or other suitable mechanical couplingdevices.

As best illustrated in FIG. 4 , the adjustment plate 204 may include atleast one slot, e.g., slots 402 a-b. In some embodiments, at least oneslot member, e.g., slot members 404 a-b, may be positioned at leastpartially in at least one of the holes 312 a-b and may be positioned atleast partially through at least one of the corresponding slots 402 a-b.For example, the slot member 404 a may extend from the threaded hole 312a of the paddle arm deployment member 202 and may be positioned throughthe slot 402 a. In further embodiments, at least one of the slot members404 a-b may be integrally formed with the paddle arm deployment member202. The slot members 404 may be any number of mechanical couplingdevices or related material such as screws, bolts, rivets, nuts,washers, bearings, other suitable mechanical coupling devices, or acombination thereof.

In some embodiments, the adjustment plate 204 may include a thirdopening 406 that may enable the adjustment plate 204 to be pivotallycoupled to at least one of the paddle arm deployment member 202 or thefirst hinge 302. For example, at least one of the paddle arm deploymentmember 202 or the first hinge 302 may extend at least partially throughthe third opening 406. Additionally, the first axis 306 may extendthrough a center of the third opening 406 when the adjustment plate 204is pivotally coupled to at least one of the paddle arm deployment member202 or the first hinge 302.

In some embodiments, at least one of the paddle arm deployment member202, the adjustment plate 204, or any component thereof may be rotatedabout at least one axes. For example, the paddle arm deployment member202, the adjustment plate 204, other suitable components of the traytable tuning mechanism 106, or a combination thereof may be pivoted orotherwise rotated about the first axis 306. In some embodiments, thepaddle arm deployment member 202 may be rotated relative to theadjustment plate 204 or vice versa. As the paddle arm deployment member202 and/or the adjustment plate 204 rotate about the first axis 306, atleast one of the slot members 404 a-b may move along a respectiveslot(s) 402 a-b. The slots 402 a-b and slot members 404 a-b may assistin creating a smooth and stable movement of at least one of the paddlearm deployment member 202 or the adjustment plate 204

Referring back to FIG. 2 , the first screw 200 a may limit a maximumrotation of the paddle arm deployment member 202 due to a portion of theslot member 404 a abutting a portion of the first screw 200 a. Themaximum rotation of the paddle arm deployment member 202 may be adjustedby turning the first screw 200 a to adjust a location of a lower end ofthe first screw 200 a. The screw 200 b may limit a maximum rotation ofthe adjustment plate 204 due to a portion of the adjustment plate 204abutting a portion of the screw 200 b. The maximum rotation of theadjustment plate 204 may be adjusted by turning the screw 200 b toadjust a location of a lower end of the screw 200 b. In someembodiments, the screw 200 b may also prevent rotation of the adjustmentplate 204 due to gravitational forces

As best illustrated in FIG. 5 , the tray table tuning mechanism 106 mayinclude a second hinge 502 that may be positioned to extend at leastpartially through the second opening 308 of the paddle arm deploymentmember 202 and at least partially through the paddle arm 104 to enablethe paddle arm 104 to pivot relative to the paddle arm deployment member202 and to rotate about the second axis 310. The second hinge 502 may bepositioned as described in the tray table tuning mechanism 106 using anysuitable coupling device such as mechanical or chemical fasteners. Insome embodiments, the second hinge 502 may be a friction hinge that may,for example, be press-fit into the tray table tuning mechanism 106. Thesecond hinge 502 may be positioned in the tray table tuning mechanism106 via other suitable techniques. Additionally as illustrated in FIG. 5, the mount members 206 may be coupled to the adjustment plate 204, thepaddle arm deployment member 202, or a combination thereof.

Referring back to FIG. 2 , the paddle arm 104 may be rotated relative tothe paddle arm deployment member 202 between the stowed state and thedeployed state. In some embodiments, the paddle arm 104 may not rotateto the deployed state until the stop member 210 has moved past a firstedge 702 of the adjustment plate 204, as best illustrated in FIG. 7 . Inthe deployed state, the stop member 210 may abut or otherwise contact atleast a portion of the adjustment plate 204 to limit the rotation of thepaddle arm deployment member 202 in a first direction, which, in someembodiments, may be a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about thefirst axis 306. Limiting the rotation of the paddle arm deploymentmember 202 in the first direction increases the stability of thedeployed tray table 102. Additionally, a portion of the paddle armdeployment member 202 may abut at least one of the adjustment plate 204,at least one mount member 206, or the pivot limiting member 208 to limitthe rotation of the paddle arm deployment member 202 in a thirddirection, which may be the opposite direction about the first axis 306to the first direction. This additional rotation limitation may furtherincrease the stability of the deployed tray table 102.

In some embodiments, in the deployed state, the stop member 210 maycontact or abut other surfaces with respect to the tray table tuningmechanism 106 to limit a maximum rotation of the paddle arm 104 in atleast one other directions. For example, the stop member 210 may abut aportion of the pivot limiting member 208 and or the third screw 200 c tolimit the maximum rotation of the paddle arm 104 in a second direction,which, in some embodiments, may be a clockwise or a counterclockwisedirection about the second axis 310. The maximum rotation of the paddlearm 104 may be adjusted by turning the third screw 200 c to adjust alocation of a lower end of the third screw 200 c. Additionally, themaximum rotation of the paddle arm 104 may determine a maximum angle ofdeployment of the paddle arm 104, which is independent of the adjustmentplate 204, and ultimately a height of the deployed tray table 102 abovethe passenger seat arm 103. Therefore, the maximum angle of deploymentand height of the deployed tray table 102 may be adjusted by adjustingthe third screw 200 c.

As best illustrated in FIG. 6 , the stowed state of the paddle arm 104may enable the tray table 102, in addition to other components of thetable assembly 100, to be stored in an arm rest of a passenger seat. Asthe paddle arm 104 moves from the stowed state to the deployed state, atleast one slot member, e.g., slot member 404 a, may move along or withinat least one respective slot, e.g., slot 402 a, until the at least oneslot member 404 a abuts or contacts the first screw 200 a. In someembodiments, the paddle arm 104 reaches the deployed state after thepaddle arm deployment member 202 is rotated about the first axis 306 andthe paddle arm 104 is rotated about the second axis 310.

Each of the components of the tray table tuning mechanism 106 (e.g., thepaddle arm 104, the paddle arm deployment member 202, the adjustmentplate 204, the pivot limiting member 208, etc.) may be formed viavarious manufacturing processes as desired. Suitable manufacturingprocesses include, but are not limited to, machining, forging, casting,printing, molding, combinations thereof, or other suitable processes asdesired. In some embodiments, the manufacturing process used to form onecomponent may be different from the manufacturing process used to formanother component.

In the following, further examples are described to facilitate theunderstanding of the invention:

Example 1. A tray table tuning mechanism comprising: a pivot limitingmember; a paddle arm deployment member pivotable relative to the pivotlimiting member; an adjustment plate pivotable relative to the pivotlimiting member; and a paddle arm pivotably coupled to the paddle armdeployment member, pivotable between a stowed state and a deployedstate, and comprising at least one stop member; wherein, in the deployedstate, the at least one stop member abuts a portion of the adjustmentplate to limit rotation of the paddle arm deployment member in a firstdirection.

Example 2. The tray table tuning mechanism of any of the preceding orsubsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein at least one ofthe paddle arm deployment member or the adjustment plate is pivotableabout a first axis.

Example 3. The tray table tuning mechanism of any of the preceding orsubsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the paddle armis pivotable about a second axis that is substantially perpendicular tothe first axis.

Example 4. The tray table tuning mechanism of any of the preceding orsubsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the adjustmentplate comprises at least one slot and the paddle arm deployment membercomprises at least one slot member extending from the paddle armdeployment member and at least partially through the at least one slot.

Example 5. The tray table tuning mechanism of any of the preceding orsubsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the at least oneslot member is moveable along the at least one slot as the paddle armdeployment member pivots.

Example 6. The tray table tuning mechanism of any of the preceding orsubsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the pivotlimiting member comprises a first screw that limits a maximum rotationof the paddle arm deployment member, a second screw that limits amaximum rotation of the adjustment plate, and a third screw that limitsa maximum rotation of the paddle arm.

Example 7. The tray table tuning mechanism of any of the preceding orsubsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the third screwdetermines an angle of deployment of the paddle arm.

Example 8. The tray table tuning mechanism of any of the preceding orsubsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein, in the deployedstate, the at least one stop member also abuts a portion of the pivotlimiting member to limit rotation of the paddle arm in a seconddirection.

Example 9. A method for using a tray table tuning mechanism comprising apivot limiting member, a paddle arm deployment member, an adjustmentplate, and a paddle arm, the method comprising: rotating the paddle armdeployment member relative to the adjustment plate; and rotating thepaddle arm relative to the paddle arm deployment member to a deployedstate; wherein, in the deployed state, at least one stop memberextending from the paddle arm abuts a portion of the adjustment plate tolimit rotation of the paddle arm deployment member in a first direction.

Example 10. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent examples orcombination of examples, wherein, in the deployed state, the at leastone stop member extending from the paddle arm also abuts a portion ofthe pivot limiting member to limit rotation of the paddle arm in asecond direction.

Example 11. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent examples orcombination of examples, wherein rotating the paddle arm deploymentmember comprises rotating the paddle arm deployment member about a firstaxis and rotating the paddle arm comprises rotating the paddle arm abouta second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Example 12. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent examples orcombination of examples, wherein rotating the paddle arm deploymentmember comprises moving at least one slot member extending from thepaddle arm deployment member and at least partially through at least oneslot defined by the adjustment plate.

Example 13. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent examples orcombination of examples, wherein a maximum rotation of the paddle armdeployment member is determined by a first screw extending from thepivot limiting member.

Example 14. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent examples orcombination of examples, further comprising rotating the adjustmentplate, wherein a maximum rotation of the adjustment plate is determinedby a second screw extending from the pivot limiting member.

Example 15. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent examples orcombination of examples, wherein a maximum rotation of the paddle arm isdetermined by a third screw extending from the pivot limiting member.

Example 16. A passenger seat comprising: an arm rest; and a tray tabletuning mechanism coupled to the arm rest, the tray table tuningmechanism comprising: a pivot limiting member; a paddle arm deploymentmember pivotable relative to the pivot limiting member; an adjustmentplate pivotable relative to the pivot limiting member; and a paddle armpivotably coupled to the paddle arm deployment member, pivotable betweena stowed state and a deployed state, and comprising at least one stopmember; wherein, in the deployed state, the at least one stop memberabuts a portion of the adjustment plate to limit rotation of the paddlearm deployment member in a first direction.

Example 17. The passenger seat of any of the preceding or subsequentexamples or combination of examples, wherein the pivot limiting memberis fixed relative to the arm rest.

Example 18. The passenger seat of any of the preceding or subsequentexamples or combination of examples, wherein: at least one of the paddlearm deployment member or the adjustment plate is pivotable about a firstaxis; and the paddle arm is pivotable about a second axis that issubstantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Example 19. The passenger seat of any of the preceding or subsequentexamples or combination of examples, wherein: the adjustment platecomprises at least one slot and the paddle arm deployment membercomprises at least one slot member extending from the paddle armdeployment member and at least partially through the at least one slot;and the at least one slot member is moveable along the at least one slotas the paddle arm deployment member pivots.

Example 20. The passenger seat of any of the preceding or subsequentexamples or combination of examples, wherein the pivot limiting membercomprises a first screw that limits a maximum rotation of the paddle armdeployment member, a second screw that limits a maximum rotation of theadjustment plate, and a third screw that limits a maximum rotation ofthe paddle arm.

Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings ordescribed above, as well as components and steps not shown or describedare possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are usefuland may be employed without reference to other features andsub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described forillustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodimentswill become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the presentinvention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depictedin the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be madewithout departing from the scope of the claims below.

1. A tray table tuning mechanism comprising: a pivot limiting member; apaddle arm deployment member pivotable relative to the pivot limitingmember; an adjustment plate pivotable relative to the pivot limitingmember; and a paddle arm pivotably coupled to the paddle arm deploymentmember, pivotable between a stowed state and a deployed state, andcomprising at least one stop member; wherein, in the deployed state, theat least one stop member abuts a portion of the adjustment plate tolimit rotation of the paddle arm deployment member in a first direction;and wherein the pivot limiting member comprises at least one of a firstscrew that limits a maximum rotation of the paddle arm deploymentmember, a second screw that limits a maximum rotation of the adjustmentplate, or a third screw that limits a maximum rotation of the paddlearm.
 2. The tray table tuning mechanism of claim 1, wherein at least oneof the paddle arm deployment member or the adjustment plate is pivotableabout a first axis.
 3. The tray table tuning mechanism of claim 2,wherein the paddle arm is pivotable about a second axis that issubstantially perpendicular to the first axis.
 4. The tray table tuningmechanism of claim 1, wherein the adjustment plate comprises at leastone slot and the paddle arm deployment member comprises at least oneslot member extending from the paddle arm deployment member and at leastpartially through the at least one slot.
 5. The tray table tuningmechanism of claim 4, wherein the at least one slot member is moveablealong the at least one slot as the paddle arm deployment member pivots.6. (canceled)
 7. The tray table tuning mechanism of claim 1, wherein thethird screw determines an angle of deployment of the paddle arm.
 8. Thetray table tuning mechanism of claim 1, wherein, in the deployed state,the at least one stop member also abuts a portion of the pivot limitingmember to limit rotation of the paddle arm in a second direction.
 9. Amethod for using a tray table tuning mechanism comprising a pivotlimiting member, a paddle arm deployment member, an adjustment plate,and a paddle arm, the method comprising: rotating the paddle armdeployment member relative to the adjustment plate; and rotating thepaddle arm relative to the paddle arm deployment member to a deployedstate; wherein, in the deployed state, at least one stop memberextending from the paddle arm abuts a portion of the adjustment plate tolimit rotation of the paddle arm deployment member in a first direction;and wherein at least one of a maximum rotation of the paddle armdeployment member is determined by a first screw extending from thepivot limiting member, a maximum rotation of the adjustment plate isdetermined by a second screw extending from the pivot limiting member,or a maximum rotation of the paddle arm is determined by a third screwextending from the pivot limiting member.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein, in the deployed state, the at least one stop member extendingfrom the paddle arm also abuts a portion of the pivot limiting member tolimit rotation of the paddle arm in a second direction.
 11. The methodof claim 9, wherein rotating the paddle arm deployment member comprisesrotating the paddle arm deployment member about a first axis androtating the paddle arm comprises rotating the paddle arm about a secondaxis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
 12. Themethod of claim 9, wherein rotating the paddle arm deployment membercomprises moving at least one slot member extending from the paddle armdeployment member and at least partially through at least one slotdefined by the adjustment plate.
 13. (canceled)
 14. The method of claim9, further comprising rotating the adjustment plate.
 15. (canceled) 16.A passenger seat comprising: an arm rest; and a tray table tuningmechanism coupled to the arm rest, the tray table tuning mechanismcomprising: a pivot limiting member; a paddle arm deployment memberpivotable relative to the pivot limiting member; an adjustment platepivotable relative to the pivot limiting member; and a paddle armpivotably coupled to the paddle arm deployment member, pivotable betweena stowed state and a deployed state, and comprising at least one stopmember; wherein, in the deployed state, the at least one stop memberabuts a portion of the adjustment plate to limit rotation of the paddlearm deployment member in a first direction; and wherein the pivotlimiting member comprises at least one of a first screw that limits amaximum rotation of the paddle arm deployment member, a second screwthat limits a maximum rotation of the adjustment plate, or a third screwthat limits a maximum rotation of the paddle arm.
 17. The passenger seatof claim 16, wherein the pivot limiting member is fixed relative to thearm rest.
 18. The passenger seat of claim 16, wherein: at least one ofthe paddle arm deployment member or the adjustment plate is pivotableabout a first axis; and the paddle arm is pivotable about a second axisthat is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
 19. The passengerseat of claim 16, wherein: the adjustment plate comprises at least oneslot and the paddle arm deployment member comprises at least one slotmember extending from the paddle arm deployment member and at leastpartially through the at least one slot; and the at least one slotmember is moveable along the at least one slot as the paddle armdeployment member pivots.
 20. (canceled)